Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

We are in the very beginning of discussions on to what vacuums/products to place on our website. We will have the full Miele-Sebo-Bosch Line up with a smattering of other machines we feel are either unique or fit into a good price point like the Royal Procision 3050, the Panasonic MC-CG973, Sanataire S782 and Mighty-Mite. Any other suggestions? And Why.

Thanks guys, have some fun!

Lucky

I didn't reply at first not because I didn't have an opinion, but more because I don't feel qualified.  It looks like you have a good start with what you have mentioned.  I don't, however, see any uniqueness to your store over another unless you have a different price point.  Some uniquenss or something that would draw people to your site over another is what I would look for.  You would stay away from the big box brands, because you can see those at any Wally World or K-Sears around. 

Could I suggest that you have a line of quality rebuilt machines that would not violate new franchise restrictions for door to door only.    Recently I saw on another site I visit something about the Perfect vacuum.  It is actually a China made machine that copies the old Super-Lux but with a price of $899.  As others have said on this forum before, people will buy rebuilt machines if they can see quality in what they are buying and a great price too.  

Recently when I was searching for a light weight vacuum, I discovered that some makes forbid their dealers from selling online.  It was almost impossible to find out what a price point would be until I visited a few shops.   If you were to handle these machines I fear you would be restricted by these same agreements, but it would be nice for a consumer to have someone that would advertise and sell a Riccar or Simplicity online.   I can see why some makers have these restrictions, because it wouldn't allow them to high pressure their customers on line where if they have to come into the shop, or they in your home; you become their captive.

I'm not in the business, so take my advice with a grain of salt.  I've heard that the used vacuum (purchasing trade ins from Kirby/Rainbow/etc) can be lucrative.  I would be careful to cover multiple price points - even if the option is a used vacuum.

You need a light weight upright - whether its Oreck/Riccar/Simplicity. 

Dyson does make a nice bagless vacuum, but I wouldn't carry all of the models.    I thought the former DualCyclone from the other forum mentioned that Dyson actually was willing to pay some labor costs for warranty repairs.  Given that many of the Chinese companies don't, it would have an impact on what I would sell if I had a store.

Having a business is about maximizing profit and providing a good product to the consumer.  You probably ought to look at what price breaks you get for buying models within the same family.   For example, it you choose Riccar models rather than a mishmash from Royal, Panasonic, and Sanitaire, do you get better prices on your inventory.   (Note that I'm not recommending Riccar, since I don't really know what their policies are.)  I believe some companies expect you to buy a minimum number of machines per year to be a dealer.  That will weigh on your choice of brands. 

Some suppliers are certainly better than others.  Many customers want a made in the US option, and I think you should try to provide it if possible. 

When I had my Royal vacuum repaired, the store told me that they discontinued doing repairs for Royal, Eureka/Electrolux, and Hoover because the Chinese companies were non-responsive in sending parts and reimbursing them for their costs in warranty repairs.   Some of these companies don't pay any labor costs for repairs.   This business liked Oreck a lot because of the company's support. 

Consumers do read Consumer Reports and it's worthwhile to see what they recommend, particularly the best values.  Just be sure that you can offer competetive prices if you pick these big box brands.

The problem with the Miele/Sebo/Bosch line up is that you have to sell them at MSRP on a web site, if I'm not mistaken.  What exactly can you offer that any other dealer can't on those models?  I'd be prepared to offer free bags/filters/tools/gift certificate for future purchase, to make your site more attractive for these lines.

I would take J.P.T.'s, post as very usefull,you have to offer the consumer something unique, rebuilt vacuums are one way,but stay with machines that are worth rebuilding,and you make a resonable profit on.Offer a repair service with expert service and fast turn around time.With all the different shipping methods today this can be done quite well,and be cost effective to both you and the customer.

The online business is a real CUTHROAT market. I know a few dealers that have done very well on line.I will tell you this it can become a 24/7 job,over 100 e-mails a day.

GOOD LUCK

MOLE

P.S the perfect lux is electroluxes old metal body from the early 90's,it's not an automatic like the ultralux was,it has an ametek motor with over 125'' of I.W.L.

This machine is good for the dealers that want to sell a metal body vacuum,IT wont sell at 899.00,maybe 650.00,we will see what happens.

Stepping away from vacuums for a sec, how about air cleaners.  There is a huge market for this and they compliment your Miele and Bosch product lines. Accessories to make someones current vacuum work better are also something to think about.  We sell lots for hand turbos and micro tool kits both of which you can't find in box stores.  I look forward to seeing your site once it's up and running.

Dusty

Lucky1 wrote:

I think all the suggestions given are worthy of consideration. 

I think you are choosing an excellent time to get in the Web Site vacuum business.  In the upcoming months, big box retailers will [many have already started] cull and drop vacuum brands and models from their shelves.  You will get these customers in the future if you give them options in different price ranges.

You are going to encounter budget minded vacuum buyers.  If these budget buyers don't want to go for the higher priced vacuum store brands, you need a fall-back for less expensive ones.  Why? Still make the sale, keep the customer[s], and have future prospect[s] when they are more inclined to spend on vacuums.  Rebuilts are an excellent option.  But, sometimes people want to buy new, especially with net buying. 

Il recommend ONE maybe TWO new upright vacuums like the HOOVER TEMPO and/or EUREKA Smart Vac [bagged] at  prices competitive with big box retailers.  Because Consumer Reports rates these highly.  You can use the CR pitch/endorsement to make the sale.  Give the buyer[s] an option to buy an extended service plan of 1-2-3- years by jacking up the price $10, $20 and even $30 [whatever you think the market will bear].  This strategy gives you an edge over the big box retail stores especially with budget minded customers.  My sense is that these customers will not be your target market, but you don't want to lose any potential customers.  Especially in these hard economic times when spending on higher priced vacuums becomes a discretionary expense not a necessity.

Do the same for a canister.  A decent quality cann at about $100-$120 with a decent power head.  Offer the extended warranty option 1-2-3 years with a higher sales price.  For budget minded consumers.  Again, to increase your profit and make the sale if the customer[s] are budget minded.  Then you have another opportunity with these customers in the future.

Hope this is useful.

Good luck.

Carmine D.

Thanks Guys!

I am a Simplicity Dealer but we are forbidden to do internet sales and Phone orders are list price only. It may sound bad but it does work in the Brick & Mortar Indie Dealer best interest. I am hoping to be different than the others in that I feel a buyers approach should be Flooring Surface as the first requirement, Price second and Brand third. I hope to be able to cross reference easily as the consumer navigates through the site. Most sites go Brand first. I've gotten enough people coming into the shop saying they bought a machine online with a Turbo brush... that they latter realize is not suited for their home. As far being a better price or offering incentives that's mostly Taboo. But as a retailer, once again it allows a Mom & Pop to compete.

Funny as a coincidence, My order for a Perfect Electrolux clone was just delivered moments before I went online!

Air purifiers are a great idea. I'm an authorized Blueair dealer already. I will check their internet policy.

What about the Electrolux/Eureka series. I know they have contact & hose problems but they are in a good price point and get a good CR review. I'm really torn on this one.

Which Dysons would you offer? ( IF YOU WERE TO) LOL

Lucky1 wrote:

Knowing very little to nothing about Dysons I would say only this. Look at Wal-Mart, K-Sears, and Target.  See what models they show most prominently, then stock the ones that are not so readily available.   You can buy a blue DC7 24 hours a day at Wally world, however, some of the bigger models are not so available.

Lucky1 wrote:

Hi Lucky1,

It's great tol hear of your new venture.  Much luck to you.

I pass on knocking around brand names, etc. My only suggestion is that you choose product that you feel you can stand behind -- not just stuff brought in because its on the shelf of the other guy down the block.  I am always pleased to talk business with sellers who have accurate, in-depth knowledge of their product and who are prepared to offer sound explanations of its advantages and disadvantages.

You might want to check out -- http://www.ristenbatt.com -- not for any special reason other than this seller is pretty selective and also offers helpful info.

Go for it . . .

Venson

PS -- Will forum members get discounts? :)

Lucky1 wrote:

New dyson vacuums are not selling in the current market and will continue not to sale as the economic conditions worsen.  Too expensive and the big box retailers are suffering huge sales declines as consumers put the brakes on discretionary spending [read high price vacuums].

Refurb dysons at low prices may be lucrative.  You do the refurbing and you guarantee.  Most of the refurbs for sale now shorten the warranty period drastically.  You extend yours just enough to get the edge and beat out the competition in dyson refurbs.

Carmine D. 

Lucky1 wrote:
We've had good luck with the Eureka 6500 air extreme (bag model only, bagless is nasty).  Parts are cheap and it's  a pretty full featured machine for the money.  Dysons are easy, DC18's are our big mover for carpets and we just received the DC20 which is nice for bare floors.  We always get calls for a bagless canister with no powerhead so this machine fits the bill nicely. I would still put Simplicity on your website, local users will use it for info and make their way into your store to purchase even if there is no pricing online.

Off topic a tad, I'm curious to know if you sell the Simplicity air purifiers and your opinion of them.  We've carried them at times but find they're not as price competitive with other brands as we'd like.

Dusty